Everything you need to know about using a tachograph

Commercial vehicles must have a tachograph. This is a requirement. But that is not the only reason why this meter is so popular. Companies also benefit greatly from it. With the help of the tachograph, they have more insight into their drivers and may even be able to reduce transport costs. In short: there are profits to be made for all parties. But of course, the tachograph must be used correctly.

Are you planning to build a fleet? And keep the transport under your own management? Then it is good to find out everything about the tachograph. Below you will find the most important things.

What is the purpose of a tachograph?

The tachograph has been used for many years. At first this was done analogue. Since 2006, it has been mandatory for all vehicles to have a digital tachograph from, for example, Webfleet Solutions. A tachograph records all information during the journey. Including information about the driver. This way, rest and driving times are kept track of. This is essential to ensure safety on the road. In order to prevent companies from entering into a competitive battle on the road, it has been discussed that drivers may drive a maximum of twelve hours a day and must also take sufficient breaks. This can be read by a law enforcement officer. If these rules are not complied with, a hefty fine may be imposed.

Information must be read regularly

It is important for the fleet manager to read the information regularly. The tachograph cannot store information indefinitely. It must also be deleted occasionally. It must therefore be clear how this information can be downloaded and also how it can be interpreted. Be aware that this information is also worth gold to the fleet manager. It tells something about the driver's driving behavior, it indicates where he has been and how many hours he has worked in total. That can help enormously with the administration. The driver card must be read at least once every 28 days. Otherwise, the current information will be written over. The digital tachograph must be read at least once every ninety days. This information must be stored on the business computer and must be kept for at least one year in accordance with the Transport Working Hours Decree. This data may be retrieved up to one year after the date.

Take fuel saving measures

When we think about transport costs, we should not forget fuel. In fact, it has a huge impact on the costs incurred. Especially when the war in Ukraine just started. We noticed this immediately at the pump! Fortunately, it is less now, but no one dares to say with certainty that it will remain that way. Fuel-saving measures can never hurt. One of the best ways to save fuel is by analyzing driver behavior. This allows for quicker action on inefficient driving. A few simple adjustments can save hundreds of euros per year. The tachograph can certainly play a significant role in this.